Originally Posted by
Redjack
the canon's the canon.
Hal got his ring because Abin Sur's ship crashed and he was the nearest person to fit the necessary criteria which, apparently, is just the ability to overcome great fear.
Guy got his ring because, apparently, for some reason, Hal needed a back-up.
John was marked as a future ascended being by the Guardians which is why he got his ring. Training wheels.
Kyle got his ring because, as Ganthet put it, "you'll have to do." Right place, right time, no special qualities beyond luck.
(Can't remember why Simon and Jess got theirs.)
Jo got her ring because Nemosyni needed an 'off-the-grid' Lantern with a prototype ring that wouldn't be affected by Koyos's schemes.
The original notion of "back-up GLs" doesn't even make sense. If a GL falls, the ring finds a replacement. "Back-ups" aren't necessary. Another will be found right away.